Turning Challenges into Collaborative Solutions with Mediation
At Preserve Family Law, we specialize in facilitating constructive and respectful dialogue to resolve disputes and foster positive outcomes. We are certified mediators with additional training in mediation for cases involving domestic violence. c
Mediation is a confidential and neutral process where our experienced mediators help parties explore their issues, communicate effectively, and find mutually agreeable solutions. Whether you are dealing with divorce, custody disputes, or other family matters, our aim is to guide you through a structured and supportive process that emphasizes understanding and cooperation. By focusing on your family’s unique needs and goals, we strive to achieve resolutions that are fair, practical, and enduring. Let us help you transform family disputes into opportunities for constructive change and lasting harmony.
Mediation provides a productive and respectful setting for resolving issues confidentially. Conversations, information, and proposals made during mediation cannot be used in court unless the parties agree in writing. This confidentiality fosters open and honest dialogue, facilitating the achievement of agreements. Additionally, mediation can significantly reduce legal fees and court costs by avoiding lengthy and contentious litigation. Although a mediator cannot offer legal advice and remains a neutral third party, a skilled mediator can assist parties in finding common ground and progressing forward with their lives.
Making the most of mediation
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Talk about it beforehand. Mediation becomes significantly more effective when parties have already discussed the issues and identified the areas of dispute. This approach can save both time and money by allowing the mediation session to concentrate on resolving the specific points of contention. Often, parties enter mediation without having discussed or identified the disputed issues beforehand, which can waste time and effort during the mediation process.
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Be prepared. Prepare and bring your sworn financial statement, proposed parenting plan, marital balance sheet, and any other relevant documents. These materials will provide the mediator with useful information to facilitate reaching agreements
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Know your positions. Understand your positions. Pinpointing the issues that are most important to you is key for effective negotiations, as it reveals where compromise might be possible, where the parties can find common ground, and which issues you are committed to holding firm on. If you have an attorney, ensure you have discussed the issues and your positions with them beforehand; mediation should not be the first time you go over the issues and potential agreements with your attorney.
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Keep an open mind and be flexible. You should enter mediation with an open mind and a willingness to discuss the issues. Stay positive, as this process can save both time and money and may lead to a satisfactory resolution. Mediation is likely to fail if one party is focused on exacting revenge or making unreasonable demands. Therefore, approach the mediation with the goal of exploring possibilities for a fair outcome.
Private Mediation
We offer private mediation via Zoom and can accommodate full day mediations in person with advanced notice and for an additional fee. Please let us know at the time of scheduling if you would like your full-day mediation to occur in-person.
Mediation in Domestic Violence Situations
Mediation is required in most family law cases however in situations of domestic violence, a party can request they be exempt from mediation.
A party can also choose to mediate which may avoid the court process and a hearing. Sometimes, a hearing can cause further trauma to the victim as they must face the alleged perpetrator in Court and relive trauma. Our mediations occur virtually unless requested to be in person and the parties are in separate virtual rooms via the Zoom platform; this means the parties do not have direct interaction or communication with each other. The mediator will shuttle back and forth between the rooms.
We have a deep understanding of and are trained in the dynamics of domestic violence and the way in which they may impact mediation including control, the ability to openly communicate and safety concerns, such as confidential addresses or phone numbers. Your mediator may conduct a safety screening to ensure that you are safe and all safety concerns are addressed properly to facilitate a successful mediation. The mediator will not advocate for either side and remains a neutral third party however the screening can assist both parties in feeling comfortable in the mediation process.
A mediator is a neutral third party who does not represent or advocate for the interests of either party. However, in situations where there is domestic violence, it is important to communicate any safety concerns with the mediator including any information you do not feel safe or do not want communicated with the other side.
Mediation is confidential and the mediator will not share information or make offers to the other party unless you request or authorize them to do so.
Pricing
Regular mediation (2 hour minimum and 3 hour maximum): $150 per party for the first 2 hours and $100 per party after the two hour minimum.
Half-day mediation (2 hour minimum and 4 hour maximum): $200 per party for the first 2 hours and $100 per party after the two hour minimum.
Full-day mediation (6 hour minimum and 8 hour maximum): $600 per party for the first 6 hours and $100 per party after the 4 hour minimum)
